2026 marks a meaningful milestone for the ECU College of Nursing as the college honors the upcoming retirement of Dr. Rebecca Bagley, a beloved educator, mentor and national leader in midwifery education.
Dr. Bagley’s story is deeply rooted in ECU. She began her journey as a student at the College of Nursing, returned as faculty and spent decades shaping the nurse-midwifery program while continuing to practice clinically and serve in leadership roles across the country. Her impact can be seen not only in the program’s success, but in the countless nurses and midwives she has mentored along the way.
As she prepares for retirement, Dr. Bagley is creating a scholarship in her honor to support future nursing students, a fitting continuation of the legacy she has built over more than 35 years.
If you are interested in supporting the Rebecca Bagley Scholarship Endowment in Midwifery, please click here.
Bob and Penny Barnhill, lifelong residents of eastern North Carolina, have built a legacy rooted in generosity and community spirit. Their philanthropic reach extends across the region, and at ECU Health and the ECU Health Foundation, we are deeply grateful for their partnership and support.
Since 2020, the Barnhills’ family business, Barnhill Contracting, has celebrated ECU Health Cancer Care nurses and healthcare workers with a special lunch during National Nurses Week. What began as a gesture of gratitude for the exceptional care given to a co-worker has become a cherished annual tradition, one that lifts spirits and reminds the Cancer Care teams how much their work matters.
“Philanthropy is about investing in the well-being of our neighbors and the future of our community. I choose to give to ECU Health because the world-class care they provide is not just medical; it is personal and essential. For the people of eastern NC, ECU Health is a lifeline and supporting it means ensuring that every community member has access to the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.”
– Bob Barnhill
The Barnhills’ generosity also continues to advance medical education and research. In 2018, Bob and Penny joined ECU Health and East Carolina University to create two distinguished professorships within the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the ECU Brody School of Medicine.
Their $3 million gift established The Robert and Penny Barnhill Distinguished Professorship in Hematology and Oncology and The Barnhill Family Distinguished Professorship in Hematology and Oncology, each honoring their enduring commitment to improving health care in eastern North Carolina.
Currently held by Dr. Darla Liles, the Barnhill Family Distinguished Professorship supports critical research roles, including nurses, clinical research associates and data managers who make participation in investigator-led clinical trials possible. These trials often lack the funding provided by pharmaceutical sponsors, making the Barnhills’ investment vital to advancing discovery and improving outcomes for patients across our region.
The Robert and Penny Barnhill Professorship, held by Dr. Nasreen Vohra, supports clinical and translational research in a variety of cancers including but not limited to breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and melanoma. The Barnhill Professorship has enabled Dr. Vohra and her research partners, including surgical oncology division faculty and resident physicians, to present their findings at national conferences and attend leadership training. Insights gained from this research, as well as participation in academic and clinical surgical oncology societies, play a critical role in advancing their understanding of cancer and enhancing cancer care in eastern North Carolina and beyond.
In September 2025, ECU Health and East Carolina University marked 40 years of cardiovascular care in eastern North Carolina. The East Carolina Heart Institute has been a cornerstone of heart and vascular care, transforming cardiovascular outcomes across the region by highlighting the importance of education, research, treatment and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
What started as a comprehensive cardiovascular program at Brody School of Medicine in 1984 has grown into one of the nation’s premier cardiovascular institutes, and philanthropy plays a key role in its growth and success.
Thanks to the collaborative approach between the university and the health system, ECHI connects generous supporters to a mission that saves lives every day. Donor support has fueled innovation, expanded access to advanced technologies and strengthened education, enabling the Heart Institute to emerge as a national leader and a contemporary university-based model of excellence. Today, ECHI remains a leader in groundbreaking initiatives and innovative treatments and technology. With support from donors and the community, the program will continue to excel and provide world-class heart care close to home.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is the leading cause of maternal death and family dissolution in the U.S., with eastern North Carolina experiencing some of the most severe outcomes nationwide
Thanks to a $15,486 grant from the ECU Health Foundation, ECU College of Nursing faculty Courtney Caiola, PhD and Chandra Speight, PhD, in partnership with David Ryan, MD, founding clinician of ECU IMPACT, are leading a new initiative to improve outcomes in our region. They are working together, along with community partners, to improve regional screening and referral processes so at-risk groups can be connected to ECU IMPACT’s evidence based perinatal and addiction services.
This project reflects the shared mission of the College of Nursing and ECU Health, and is made possible by the generosity of ECU Health Foundation donors who are driving innovative solutions where they are needed most.
The 40th annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Celebration Broadcast raised an incredible $1,278,873 to support pediatric care at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center, bringing the total raised over four decades to $35.6 million.
Produced by longtime CMN partner WITN, this year’s broadcast celebrated 40 years of community generosity and the thousands of children whose lives have been touched by Maynard Children’s Hospital. Viewers were inspired by heartfelt stories of healing and hope, and a special $100,000 matching gift doubled the impact for kids across eastern North Carolina.
Among the many touching moments was recognition of four dedicated volunteers: Fred Anderson, Debbie Austin, Vivian Bazemore and Diane Oakley, who have given their time to every telethon since the very first in 1986!
Thanks to the ongoing support of donors, volunteers and partners, children from across our region continue to receive the highest quality care, close to home.
“This year’s Celebration Broadcast was incredibly special, marking 40 years of support for Children’s Miracle Network and bringing together those who have made a difference,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “It was amazing to reflect on this journey and connect with our dedicated supporters. We also honored the generous businesses, community groups and individuals whose commitment will continue to save lives and bring hope to the children at Maynard Children’s Hospital.”
To commemorate 40 years of making miracles happen in eastern North Carolina, the event included many special acknowledgements to celebrate the milestone. Former WITN personalities throughout the years provided messages of encouragement and support while past miracle children provided updates on their journeys and how their lives were directly impacted by the generous donations from the telethon. Four loyal volunteers joined the celebration for their 40th time, attending all 40 telethons throughout the years: Fred Anderson, Debbie Austin, Vivian Bazemore and Diane Oakley. Another very special moment included an interview with Lillian Jones, who honored her late husband, Dick Jones, WITN personality and talent who hosted the very first telethon in 1986.
Funds raised during the Celebration Broadcast ensure that children from across the region have access to the highest quality care, advanced medical equipment and life-saving programs. Each dollar raised stays local to support pediatric services at Maynard Children’s Hospital.
Major sponsors once again demonstrated their generosity, with the following top contributors each giving at least $100,000:
- Speedway, part of 7-11, Inc: $209,647
- Jersey Mike’s Subs: $188,375
- Walmart and Sam’s Club: $153,672
- Music for Miracles Radiothon: $113,734
- Log A Load for Kids: $100,000
The following sponsors each made a significant impact with donations totaling over $25,000: Ace Hardware ($37,383), Panda Express ($32,035), Dance Arts Theatre ($28,876) and Extra Life ($26,345).
Coming through in a big way, the following organizations donated between $5,000-$20,000: Central Heating and Air Conditioning, Barbour Hendrick Honda of Greenville, Electric Cooperative of ENC, Dairy Queen, Ollies, Phi Mu, Pepsi/Minges Bottling Group, American Builders, Publix and Eastern Radiologists.
Finally, a big thanks to these generous donors who contributed between $1,000-$5,000: Miller & Friends Lemonade Stand, Grady White Boats, RE/MAX, Whistle Express Car Wash, Care-O-World, Baynor Inc, Ajay Ajmera, Arun Ajmera, Ricci Law Firm, Builder’s Discount Center, Harris, Creech, Ward & Blackerby PA, MSL Healthcare Partners, Stallings Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, POPS Mart Fuels and Aldridge & Southerland.
The local CMN Hospitals fundraising program is staffed and supported by the ECU Health Foundation, the non-profit charitable corporation that serves as the custodian for all financial gifts and bequests to ECU Health. The ECU Health Foundation oversees allocation of all donated funds.
ECU Health is launching a new telemedicine project to improve access to specialized care for rural patients at five hospitals: ECU Health Bertie, ECU Health Chowan, ECU Health Duplin, ECU Health North and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan. These sites currently have limited access to specialist physicians, requiring patients to travel to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for care.
By connecting these sites to the ECU Health Medical Center hub, this project will offer telemedicine services directly at local hospitals, reducing travel costs and improving access to high-quality care. ECU Health has been awarded nearly $1 million from the USDA to operationalize this initiative. The project includes installing telemedicine carts at each site and advanced telehealth equipment in patient rooms at two locations.
This will enable patients and clinicians to consult with specialists at ECU Health Medical Center remotely while receiving in-patient care in the community hospitals that do not currently have specialists on site. The technology will provide a seamless and high-quality experience for both patients and clinicians.
This initiative will significantly benefit underserved communities, particularly by reducing the financial barrier of traveling for medical care. It also aims to improve patient health outcomes by keeping families and their support systems close during treatment. This assistance from the USDA aligns with its mission to enhance health care access in eastern North Carolina and become a national leader in rural health.
The ECU Health Foundation is proud to recognize The Service League of Greenville — a long-standing, loyal partner whose unwavering commitment has left an extraordinary mark on health care in eastern North Carolina. Founded in 1938, the Service League of Greenville is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization of dedicated women who tirelessly serve their local and regional community. The passion and generosity of their nearly 160 current members has touched countless lives, and ECU Health and the colleges and schools of the health sciences at East Carolina University have been fortunate to be among the many beneficiaries of their philanthropic vision.
“As President of the Service League of Greenville, I have never known a more giving group of ladies. We all enjoy helping our neighbors throughout Pitt County and the Medical community. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Cassie Causey, President of The Service League of Greenville.
Throughout the years, The Service League of Greenville has contributed more than $14.5 million to health care and health sciences initiatives. Most recently, they made a generous $100,000 commitment to the Investing in Our Future Endowment — a perpetual fund designed to advance ECU Health and its academic partners in improving the health, education and well-being of our region.
We are honored to steward The Service League of Greenville’s funds and ensure that their legacy of giving continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the communities we serve.
This April, we proudly celebrated the 40th anniversary of ECU Health EastCare, a lifeline for critically ill and injured patients across eastern North Carolina. As the first program in the state to carry whole blood products, EastCare continues to set the standard for critical care transport, operating a fleet of five helicopters and multiple ground units, including a Children’s Transport Team in partnership with James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. With each helicopter logging over 900 hours—far surpassing the national average of 300—our crews work tirelessly to provide rapid, lifesaving care when every second counts.
To remain at the forefront of emergency transport, we couldn’t do what we do without the support of people like you. Donor dollars are essential to equipping our teams with the latest life-saving technology, including updated stretchers ($60,000 each), 22 heart monitors ($38,000 each), and 22 ventilators ($21,000 each). Additionally, each crew member requires three flight suits ($450 per suit) and helmets ($2,000 each) to ensure safety and readiness.
As we mark this milestone, we invite you to join our efforts in celebrating EastCare and all that they do for eastern North Carolina. Your generosity ensures we can continue to deliver world-class care to those who need it most.
Community partners are essential to the work of the ECU Health Foundation. The impact these partners provide on a daily basis to the patients and families at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital is life-changing. Pirates Vs. Cancer is just one example of the tremendous efforts and impact made by our community partners.
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded nine years ago by Trevor Hunt and other students at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. These students weren’t just studying the impact of cancer — they had seen it in their families, their communities and often in their own lives. In response, this dedicated group turned those experiences into action, building a powerful tradition that brings hope to children across eastern North Carolina who are fighting cancer.
In April 2025, Brody students hosted the ninth annual Pirates Vs. Cancer event, bringing their total raised to more than $174,000 in support of pediatric cancer patients at Maynard Children’s Hospital. Every dollar raised goes directly toward improving the lives of pediatric oncology patients all across eastern North Carolina.
Funds raised through Pirates Vs. Cancer have already made a lasting impact. Past donations helped renovate the inpatient playroom — a vital space where children can find comfort and joy during treatment. This bright and innovative area is available for children and teens admitted to the children’s hospital and offers activities for all ages, including video games, imaginative play, arts and crafts and more.
Thanks to Pirates Vs. Cancer and all of of our vital community partners, we can continue to bring big smiles to our smallest patients and further our mission to improve the health and well-being of children across the region.
T
hanks to your ongoing generosity, the 28th annual Music for Miracles Radiothon has achieved an amazing milestone—raising more than $4 million in total for the children and families who rely on the care at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center.
This year alone, 
our community came together to raise $113,734 during the radiothon on 107.9 WNCT and all the Inner Banks Media stations. Your support, alongside the collective effort of many, has made a tremendous impact on the lives of sick and injured children in eastern North Carolina.
Every dollar raised through this event goes directly toward critical programs and services at Maynard Children’s Hospital—ensuring the best possible care for our youngest patients.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for being a vital part of this success. Your contribution helps us make miracles happen every day. Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment to the children of eastern North Carolina. Together, we are building brighter futures and creating lasting change for the children and families who need us most.
“The Radiothon is one of the highlights of our year in terms of our public service efforts. As is often the case when you do something like this, we were the ones who were blessed to have been part of it,” said Henry Hinton, Inner Banks Media President.